Alterations – Formal Wear » Bridesmaid Alterations

BELOW: One of my past bridal clients, Libby (who I refashioned her mother’s vintage bridal gown), needed to have her bridesmaid dress shortened, while still maintaining the width of the trim at the hem. In order to accomplish this, the 4″ trimmed hem was removed, the dress shorten, then the trim re-attached, taking into account the flair of the dress. What is really nice about this alteration, is that at a future point, if Libby decides to do so, the trim can be removed to use the dress as a basic black dress with a wrap or jacket.

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Jenni (my daughter) came to me with her “Maid-of-Honor” dress that was basically “choking” her with the high collar style. It originally pulled the collar and straps all together, making a diamond shape in the back. To aid her from this delima, I took some matching scrap fabric I had on hand from a dress I had previously made (who knew that this would come in handy? LOL) and created her a section to make the dress fit more comfortably around her neck. This allowed me to use the buttons that were already on the dress and left the elastic button holes in place (covered by this adjustment). And, if she sells or loans this dress to another, where they would want it a little more “close to neck” fitting, this piece can be removed gently with a seam ripper.

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BELOW: Here is one of my past bridal clients, Holly K, returning as a bridesmaid, needing some alterations to the sides, which made her sleeveless dress fit amazingly well!! Such an honor to be called back to work on her dress. BONUS: I got to enjoy holding her infant daughter. Such a joy to see those I worked with in the past for their weddings, having children of their own.

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BELOW: Shannon came with her gorgeous orange dress that fit “okay”, but it folded up in the back along the waistline due to a tight fit in the hips. She didn’t have any room in the hem so that I could take the dress up at the waist, to allow for more room at the hips, so it was necessary to release some of the seams, which we fortunately had three seams that allowed this option. NOTE: Not all dresses have this option, since most dresses do not have sufficient seam allowances.

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BELOW: Sarah K. – Sarah needed a “fix” that would prevent her bra straps from showing on this dress that fit her amazingly well. costs. In order to do this, I first thought that maybe one set of ribbon bra strap holders to each strap would be sufficient, yet while working on the first two, I gave it another thought as I remembered how the straps fit. To do one holder on each side, would result in her bra strap still showing. So the decision was made to add another set to keep her straps hidden. Metal snaps were used on one side of each ribbon to easily secure things in place.

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This dress looked amazing on Whitney! What needed to be done was to adjust the shoulder strap, add hooks for the waistband belt, and hem to floor length. There was over 4 inches removed from the hem and lining, which I gave back to Whitney so that she could use it for potential scrapbook or other creative ideas. The strap was shortened by 1 inch, making the gown fit her quite nicely. In doing so, since there was only a 1/2 on each side, I was able to make the adjustment without cutting fabric. This will benefit any future need if a friend borrows this dress and needs it lengthened. The hem was cut, serged and hand stitched in place with a hidden hem. The lining was cut then hemmed with a double fold, machine stitched hem. This was a great dress to work with. Made of Dupioni Silk, which is one of my favorite fabrics to work with. Thank you Whitney for allowing me to work with you on this alteration.

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BELOW: Erika needed some slight alterations so that her dress fit well around the waist and bodice. I took in the sides, added bra cups to make the bodice fit more appropriately, and added the straps for added security.

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BELOW: Heather L. – A most beautiful gown arrived to be taken in on the hips, secure the opening in front to keep it from freely opening, adjust the collar to fit better, and hem the two layer gown. Pictures do not do this dress any justice and Heather pulls it off amazingly.

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BELOW: Samantha needed the halter strap shortened & buttons & loops moved, along with needing to have the sides taken in, where there was an invisible zipper.

BELOW: Danielle M – Danielle called looking for someone who could alter her gown within a few days. Brought her in the same day so that work could begin.

The front fit her quite well, but the gown was still a bit loose in the back so it was decided to take it in at the zipper, as it did not affect the sides of her gown.

Then, to accommodate the needed length, both dress layers were shorten. Within a day her alteration work was completed and ready for her to leave with her family for the wedding.

I always giggle when the ladies are able to have fun while I take picture

Danielle being silly!! 🙂

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BELOW: Traci S Bridesmaid, a repeat client, who is so much fun to work for. Her dress only needed to be taken in on the sides for a nice fit.

Tracy having fun

Adjusting the sides made a difference in how the dress fit and complimented her waistline

Such a nice view after the sides were adjusted

Love how the sides turned out.

Adjusting the sides made a difference in how the dress fit and complimented her waistline

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BELOW: Melissa H arrived not being sure what to do. The dress looked amazing on her except for the manufacturing flaw in the back of her dress. There wasn’t enough time to send it back.

The dress was being pulled on the side towards the center. In order to fix the flaw the dress had to be taken apart in the back and re-aligned before re-sewing correctly in place.

Nothing nicer than seeing the smile of relief when a client sees the results of her alteration request being fulfilled.

BEFORE: Mfg. flaw

AFTER: Dress repaired

A very satisfied Bridesmaid

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BELOW: Kori B came with her formal gown that she was to wear at her mom’s upcoming wedding. The best way to adjust this gown to fit Kori best, was to take it out at the zipper, taking it in, providing for a better fit. This was a bit more tedious than some alterations at the zipper, in that it had a rushed waistband. But it came along quite nicely. Once fitted, it created a very glamorous look for Kori.

Pinning into place

All lined up 🙂

A glamous final look

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Junior Bridesmaid – Jennifer arrived full of excitement to be a Junior Bridesmaid! The dress seemed long to her mom, but after consulting with the bride, it was decided to leave the hem length as is.

To fit Jennifer, I needed to take the sides in, one being an invisible zipper, and adjust the bodice by taking it in slightly and moving the straps in. In an effort to preserve the dress for the potential of being able to wear again in the future, seam allowances were maintained.

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BELOW: Traci S – Bridesmaid – Tracy is back again, for another dress that needs adjustment in the bodice, which was done on both the sides as well as the zipper area. She has been fortunate as a bridesmaid, as many of her alterations are simple and cost efficient.

Zipper adjustment showing how well it lined up with the waistline

A close-up view of the side adjustment

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BELOW: – Stacey E – Bridesmaid. Recently having a baby, the dress she ordered was a bit too big, creating too much “gapping space”, otherwise fitting her quite nicely. Once the bodice adjustment was completed, she was ready to enjoy the wedding with comfort.

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BELOW: Brynn’s Bridesmaid – A repeat client. Brynn B wasn’t too sure about this dress…….until the final fitting when everything was pulled together making her look amazing!!

Three layers with overlay being chiffon needed to be brought up, sides taken in, along with the shoulder strap needed to be adjusted.

BELOW: Laurel K – Bridesmaid – Laurel needed to have her dress taken in at the zipper, bra cups inserted, and the length of the dress hemmed a little shorter. Such a petite person, with a sweet personality.

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BELOW: – Tara D – Bridesmaid – a rush order needing her hem taken up for a proper length

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BELOW: Michelle R – Bridesmaid – Michelle needed her straps sewn into place (they came as an “option” vs. already part of the dress). Having them sewn in, prevents the worry that they might become disconnected. In addition to the straps being installed, Michelle needed the sides taken in to provide for a nice fit.

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BELOW: Brynn in her Bridesmaid dress. This dress, as so many of today’s styles have it, opened in the front where the bodice pieces crossed. By securing the front down, Brynn can comfortably wear this gorgeous bridesmaid dress much more comfortably.

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Past Bridal client, Cyndi, needed her bridesmaid dress shorten just enough for it to fall right below her knees.

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BELOW: Kathryn S, Maid-of-Honor. Kathryn just had a child, so in addition to needing the straps shorten and taking in at the zipper, adjustments were made to flatter her figure that was not back to pre-pregnancy state. The adjustments made her feel so much better about how the dress fit her.

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BELOW: Kia F -Bridesmaid – Side seams taken in, as it allowed for the best fit, and two layer hem was required to bring it to the proper length.

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BELOW: Kathrynn needed the dress to fit more to her shape – so I took the shoulders up and took in at the zipper. I did not take photo’s of the tie tied, as I provided pressing, and we didn’t want to create wrinkles requiring Kathrynn to repress.

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BELOW: Lois W – Lois needed a bodice adjustment where the best place to alter was with the zipper, providing her a lovely fit.

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BELOW: Jessica W. needed to have the bodice adjusted, which was done in the back at the zipper. Since the tag is still attached, it looks a little bulky, but the dress now fits Jessica, giving her the confidence in knowing that it would stay up for the wedding.

BELOW: Katylynn was provided an oversized dress to be worn for an upcoming wedding, so that she would fit in with the others. A size 18 taken down to fit her frame. Shoulder straps had to be brought: I took in the side seams at the bodice while adjusting the chest area, took the side seams in to adjust for her waistline, and raised the hem 5″. In addition, since the gown had a very low V-dip in the back, I created a modesty panel for her, so that she would be comfortable in a gown, allowing her to fit in with the other bridesmaids.

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BELOW: Revital – Bridesmaid Dress. Revital needed her dress taken in to provide a nice snug fit. I needed to take the dress in on the sides to keep the front & back of the dress in proper proportion, as well as not to change how the pleats fell with this dress style. In addition, I had to work with pockets that had a hidden inset. Revital was pleased with how well it fit after returning. A beautiful dress and a beautiful fit!

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Caitlin needed a variety of alterations in order to make her feel good in this gown. The shoulders needed to be shortened, the skirt/waist brought up, and dress taken in at the zipper in back. In the end, her smile says it all. Very pleased with the final results.

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BELOW: Mandy – Bridesmaid Dress – Mandy needed this dress altered at the hemline, where there was three layers (attached slip, main dress with a chiffon overlay) Also the neckline needed to be shortened as well as have a metal loop placed in the back of the dress.

In order to save Mandy some labor costs, we were able to alter the halter neckline with hooks on the end and a snap on the inside.

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BELOW: Tracey X – Bridesmaid Dress that was taken in at the sides of the bodice for a more snug, yet comfortable fit. Also, the dress was three layers, where only 2 of the three layers needed to be hemmed to the desired length required. Fabric was a polyester Charmeuse and Chiffon overlayThis is a Barijay, Style 760 – Strapless, ruched waist with self tie, includes matching shawl